As they drew closer to the warehouse, Loki grew oddly reluctant to continue. He felt vulnerable somehow, as if he'd just become aware of a chink in his armor and was doing his best to inconspicuously hide it from enemy eyes. This was his sanctuary. Only he and Book came here. Loki shook his head. It didn't matter. Regardless of how the day unfolded, he would never be coming back to Greenville—he'd either be led away in irons or forced to flee as the Avengers pursued him.

And the boy…he couldn't just leave without…without what? Saying goodbye? Explaining? He wasn't sure what drew him back to the paltry dwelling that had somehow become home. There was no need for the Avengers to even know that Book existed. He cast a glance behind him at his patriotically named shadow. There was no need for them to know, but no harm could come from it and perhaps, just perhaps, some good could be salvaged from this turn of fate.

The scrape of chain link shook him from his thoughts. Book had slipped through the opening and was coming toward him. His steps faltered as he spotted Rogers, clearly not recognizing the famed Captain America in blue jeans and a ball cap. "We having company?"

Shaking his head, Loki's fingers flashed briefly as Rogers hovered in the background. He could tell the soldier had entertained the idea of an ambush, but he hadn't expected a child.

Book deciphered what Loki had signed, his features darkening. "You're a friend of his brother's, aren't you?" Book placed himself squarely between the two men. "I don't know what you think you're going to do here, but Loki and I don't want any trouble."

Loki's smile only widened as he grinned at Rogers over Book's head. What must the fool think? He could practically see the shifting understanding of the situation as Rogers tried to accommodate for the presence of the boy. It was like watching someone try and complete a puzzle with a piece that just didn't seem to fit. And yet the piece stood there brazenly in front of him, refusing to make sense. It was really no surprise when Rogers gave up and fell back on his inherent honesty.

He raised his hands in a shrug, "No trouble. Truthfully, I don't really know what's going on."

"His brother didn't send you?"

"I think it's safe to say that Thor has no idea either of us is here," said Rogers slowly.

Book's face scrunched up in confusion as he turned to Loki. "People actually call him Thor? What is it with your family and Norse nicknames?"

Loki shrugged, all the while watching Rogers. The puzzle piece began to fit, at least a bit. Now Rogers suspected that though he knew Loki's name, Book had no idea of his real identity.

Book returned his attention to the Captain. "So what are you doing here then?"

"Inheriting a house. A distant cousin died and somehow I'm the closest living relative and," he shook his head, "and then the lawyers lost me. It all sounds very complicated."

Loki's eyes slid shut. There it was, Her hand in all of this. She had brought Rogers here and whatever followed was of her making.

It was at that moment that Book's stomach growled plaintively. The boy mumbled "shut up" under his breath and balled his fist over his stomach. Embarrassment shot through him as he tried to laugh it off. Book hated for people to notice when he was hungry. It led to too many questions, and questions led to services, led to running away again.

Loki tried to interject and turn attention elsewhere, but Rogers had seen his opening. "It looks like we've got some things to iron out. I saw a burger place a few blocks away. I could go for some food. Why don't you all join me, my treat."

That sealed it. There was no use trying to dissuade Book; he wouldn't turn down free food, not after the month they'd been having. Folding his lean arms over his chest, the boy seemed to consider it. His eyes gave away that he'd already decided. Turning to Loki, he made a few quick signs. [Food is worth dealing with your brother's friend.]

Inclining his head, Loki arched an eyebrow in incredulity. Is it really?

Book shook his head so his unruly hair bounced around his face. [You are such a prima donna.] That was one of the signs he'd particularly searched for because he thought it would be useful when dealing with Loki. "Princess", "drama queen", and several variations of "narcissist" were also on the list. He took great pleasure in getting to use them.

Book turned back to Rogers, "we could eat." He lifted one shoulder casually as if it didn't really matter one way or the other.

After a few short blocks, Loki found himself facing one of the oddest situations he'd ever encountered. During the course of the walk, introductions had been made—conspicuously leaving out Roger's last name and anything pertaining to the Avengers—and Book was already beginning to warm to the man. Typical. Little wonder that by the time they reached the diner, Rogers had taken the edge off Book's suspicions.

Loki shifted uncomfortably in the faded plastic seat of their booth, trying to accommodate his long limbs without kicking the table legs or Captain America's also rather long legs. Not that he didn't necessarily wish to avoid kicking Rogers in the shines, but there was no merit to be gained and he really didn't wish to touch him.

Copious amounts of food had been ordered for all concerned, and Book gleefully regaled the Captain with the story of how he and Loki met. Loki sniffed and rolled his eyes. Surely he hadn't been nearly so pathetic as all that. Melodrama.

Rogers smiled at the story, absorbing the brief overview of Loki's time on Earth, clearly trying to puzzle out exactly why it was that Loki had returned in a decidedly non-conquering capacity. The poorly concealed bafflement at least gave Loki some pleasure as they began what was possibly the strangest meal of his considerable life.

"So, you can understand him?" asked Rogers as he started in on the first of his three burgers.

Book smirked. "The guy can read pretty much every language on the planet, but he didn't know who Darth Vader was—so I can't say I understand him," Loki rolled his eyes, "but I can talk to him."

"Surely you both didn't know how to sign at first."

Book laughed. "No, so conversation was a bit interesting. Thankfully he's mute, not deaf—which helps. Although his listening capacity isn't always the greatest." A look of teasing frustration accompanied his words before he got back to his topic. "Writing everything out just wasn't practical, though. So, I went to the library."

A sour grin tugged at the corner of Loki's lips and he subtly raised his eyebrows.

"Shut up," said Book as he bumped his shoulder into Loki. "Anyways, it's not a true language, more like the bastard child of ASL and charades. But it works well enough. When he's not being long winded."

Loki did little more than grunt in acknowledgement.

Frowning, Book waited until the waitress had refilled their glasses before he turned to face Loki. "What is with you? Normally you'd have been all over that? What happened to his Highness, the Lord of Sass?" Glancing at Rogers, Book switched to signing. [What's with the attitude? You're acting like your old self again.]

[My true self.]

Twisting further, Book scooted until his back was against the wall, knees tucked up to his chest, feet planted on the seat. [I thought we'd moved past the superiority complex. Why's this guy got you so rattled?]

Radiating calculated calm, Loki languidly crossed his ankles, leaning back in what ought to appear careless relaxation. [This is rattled?]

Book sighed. He then turned deliberately to face the Captain. "You seem like an okay guy. Why would you be friends with a full-stop jerk like his brother?"

To his credit, Rogers didn't fall back overly much under the surprise attack. He did, however, settle in his seat and take a long, calculated drink from his mug.

Book merely pulled out his most innocent face and directed a beaming smile at Loki.

Well played, child.

Clearing his throat, Rogers began. "Well, to be fair, I don't really know Thor that well either." As he spoke, he spread the wrinkles from his napkin, flattening it against the table. "But I imagine that there are always two sides to every story. And you've only got the one."

"Point." Book pulled out the dessert flyer from where it was tucked between the ketchup and syrup bottles. "Clearly there's history with you two. I keep expecting one of you to make a grab for the table knife and try to do some damage."

[Try?] signed Loki. At the same time, Rogers tilted his head to the side and raised his eyebrows in surprise. It reminded Loki remarkably of an Earth hound meant for retrieving, all silky fur, boundless energy, and a willingness to please.

"Come on, guys. I'm young, not blind." Book slid the dessert menu in front of Rogers. "And we'll have one of these." He tapped the picture of a giant chocolate chip cookie baked in a skillet and topped with ice cream. "You did say your treat." He emphasized the word "treat."

"I suppose I did. Think you can handle that on your own?"

Rogers was so innately affable it was sickening.

"We'll share. Even if he is basically hollow."

With an amused smile, Rogers motioned the waitress over, "One Buffalo Head Cookie and two ice cream sundaes, please."

Book and Rogers made small talk until their order arrived. It was embarrassing to admit, but Loki had developed quite the taste for ice cream during his Midgardian exile. It wasn't something they were able to procure often, but Book had a knack for these things. Asgard had nothing like it. He had never tasted anything similar in any of the other realms either. A bitter thought crept into his mind, unless it was a Jotun specialty. How fitting that a Frost Giant should have a weakness for frozen cream. Perhaps at one point such thoughts would have soured his enjoyment of the dish, but he enjoyed it too much for that. He paused to savor the mix of flavors that slid over his tongue—warm cookie and fudge sauce clashing with the cold bite of vanilla. This was likely the last time he'd ever get such a treat.

A cough drew his attention. Book smiled wolfishly at him—the effect somewhat marred by the smudge of chocolate on his chin. "You uh…need a while alone with your dessert there, Loki?"

He conjured up the blandest expression he could muster and deftly slid the skillet away from Book's reaching spoon. There were advantages to having a thousand years practice keeping Thor and Volstagg from commandeering his meals. Compared to Sif and Fandral, Volstagg had always been more aware of Loki's title and treated him with courtesy—but that hadn't kept him from pinching things off Loki's plate when he wasn't looking. Even years of street experience was nothing compared to that.

After some groveling and whining on Book's part, Loki finally returned what was left of their dessert. The aura of baffled amusement from across the table had grown sickening. Loki didn't need the captain reevaluating the "humanity" of his captive—and that is surely what he was, he had no delusion about that.

"Guard my plate," said Book as he scrambled over Loki and out of the booth. "I'll only be a sec. Try not to kill each other before I get back."

[No promises,] signed Loki pressing his lips together.

Book rolled his eyes. "We try not to bite the hand that feeds us." [Seriously, contain your issues until after he's paid.]

[Then can I bite him?]

Rogers drummed his fingers together as he watched Book disappear around the corner. Loki returned to dragging his French fries through the chocolate sludge in the bottom of the skillet.

"I can't say I understand how that works."

Loki raised an eyebrow.

"Your relationship with Book. Half the time I think he's taking care of you." Rogers folded his arms and stared across the table. The silence and general lack of eye contact continued. "I think he's fond of you—how that's possible I don't know."

Doesn't he ever stop? Loki grunted in annoyance as Rogers pressed for conversation. He dug in his satchel and pulled out his little white-board—a gift from Kayden of all people—scrawling across it in harsh letters. He even drew an arrow pointing at himself for emphasis and held it up facing the Captain. MUTE!

"That may be, but you're certainly not incapable of conversation."

Dragging his sleeve across the board, he smudged away the previous message. Willing, and able are two different things.

A sigh slipped from the Avenger as he pressed a finger to his temple. "I'm just trying to figure things out. I mean, I'm in a small down diner across from an attempted world conqueror," he glanced down just in time to see pale fingers snatch up a fry from his plate, "who is stealing the last of my French fries." He pulled the plate farther away. "If you're still hungry I can get you more."

A strange look passed over Loki's face, surprise tinged with humiliation and pain. The mocking shields slammed down again. He scratched out another message. Might need to get it to go. Our friends can't be too far away.

"Ah, then you know I contacted them." Rogers rubbed the back of his head.

Loki was a picture of haughty disdain. He could have covertly alerted allies without a keen adversary noticing—Rogers was not so deft. Do you think me a fool? A thought seemed to strike him and he scrawled quickly across his board. You will not tell the boy the truth.

"You're not in any position to make demands." Rogers lowered his voice and leaned in as the waitress walked by.

I will come with you and you won't tell Book.

There was an appraising look in the man's eye. "Why do you care what he thinks?"

Loki paused for a moment, trying to confine his thoughts to his little ten by eight square. He focused on the ketchup bottle as he tapped his pen against the board. I would be one disappointment too many.

"So we tell him what? That you're being picked up for a secret mission with the Avengers and likely never to return?"

Loki pursed his lips and shook his head sadly. Leave the lying to me. Make Stark send the boy to a good school, get him off the streets. Not back in the system.

Cocking his head, the Avenger leaned forward. "What happened to us all being ants beneath your boot?"

The marker hovered for a moment before he began to write again. I made the mistake of "naming" this one. Want to find it a good home. Amusement sparked in Loki's eyes as the Captain sighed.

"And you think I'm just going to comply with your wishes? You're no prince here."

At that, Loki's grin spread ever wider. Because you are painfully and predictably honorable, and Book is a stray waiting to be picked up. That and you'll want to watch him. He paused to wipe off the board. To make sure he's not been enthralled. Loki couldn't help but add an afterthought. He's not.

Rogers watched as Book rounded the corner, scrubbing his still damp hands on the back of his jeans. "Oh, I'm not so sure about that," he said contemplatively.

Loki wanted to refute the Captain, but the excuses building in his mind seemed rickety even to him. Book may not be as obedient as Barton, but Loki doubted even he could sell the lie that he didn't hold immense sway with the child.

Said child dropped heavily into the seat, grinning. "You're both still in one piece! Congratulations!" A withering glance from Loki only made Book's grin turn more impish as he shoveled the last of his food into his mouth.

There wouldn't be much left but the plates themselves for the servers to clear away. Apparently a supercharged metabolism and two hunger-whetted appetites didn't leave much in the way of leftovers. True to form, Book deftly slid any extra edible items into his pockets. Loki could see the bulge in the boy's jacket of crackers and a handful of jelly packets from the table.

As they stepped outside, Rogers kept up a steady conversation with Book, but it seemed his attention was elsewhere. The soldier kept glancing at his phone as they headed down the street. Clearly it was time. The hum of everyday life had faded away as the storefronts grew grimy and boarded up. This part of town had all but withered away and Loki knew it was the perfect place for a confrontation with little chance of bystanders.

His eyes narrowed as he noticed someone approaching from a side street. The small part of him that still clung to the wild idea of escape jumped at the possibilities a random citizen presented. Those hopes broke as the figure coalesced into the ambling form of Bruce Banner. Loki felt a flush of embarrassment as he thought of the last time he'd encountered Banner's beast. A snarl of fear inched up his spine as he realized a repeat performance would kill him.

The good doctor raised a hand in greeting. "Afternoon, Cap. Everything worked out here?" He glanced at Book who was staring at him with near recognition. Clearly the boy hadn't made the connection yet, but he had his "thinking face" on. Anytime he was really puzzling something out, a little furrow snapped down between his eyebrows and the crookedness of his jaw grew even more pronounced as he sucked on his cheek. Surreptitiously he glanced between Banner and Rogers, but the final spark of recognition just hadn't caught yet.

"Not quite yet," said Rogers. Something in his tone seemed to indicate that he wanted Loki to make the first move.

Loki huffed. Of course they'd foist this off on him. A tightness crept into Book's stance as he sensed the tension in the air and the unspoken jockeying among the adults. He glanced up at Loki questioningly. Hands subtly moved in the sign for "what?" Neither Avenger noticed. He then seemed to realize for the first time just how desolate this part of town was. He signed again, fingers asking whether everything was okay.

A brief nod seemed to satisfy him, but now the boy was wary, inching closer to Loki. Banner blinked in surprise.

"So, uh, thanks again for the food, Steve. But we really need to get back. We promised the others we'd be back by 5:00," said Book. He was always smart enough to make people think there was someone that would miss him if he were gone. Even if it was a lie.

Rogers looked questioningly at Loki, who shook his head. No, there were no others. Book caught the movement.

"Why would you tell them that?" he hissed.

Sighing, the super soldier pinched the bridge of his nose. "Book, I'm afraid that things are about to change. Loki is going to need to come with us."

He didn't miss a beat. "I'll yell bloody murder." Book stood at his tallest, shoulders back, trying to look intimidating and serious. Trying, being the operative term.

A pale, long-fingered hand came to rest on his shoulder and then gestured at the desolate buildings. And who would hear you?

"You are the worst kidnapping victim ever. Why are you making it so easy?" asked Book, voice breaking with confusion.

Banner stepped up and smiled in his shy, quiet manner. "We're not kidnapping anyone. Apprehending would be a better word."

Book's eyes narrowed. "Then flash some badges. Let's see proof." It wasn't all bravado, but Loki could see the tell of nervousness in the way Book's toes curled within his shoes. If you had to have a tell, it wasn't a bad one to cultivate—most people weren't looking at your shoes.

"How's this for proof?" asked a voice from the sky.

All eyes were drawn upward as the red and gold form of Iron Man darted in over the rooftops. A roar and gust of hot air accompanied his descent from the sky as he thudded into the pavement, going to one knee and driving his fist into the asphalt before rising.

Loki rolled his eyes, And they accuse me of melodrama.

"Tony," started Bruce, quietly. "I thought we agreed on the subtle approach."

Servos ground as Stark shrugged. "Subtle was taking too long. And J.A.R.V.I.S., make a note—badges and a logo."

Recognition bloomed across Book's face as he glanced from the unmistakable form of Iron Man to the two men standing at his side: the Hulk's alter ego and Captain America. Slowly and full of accusation, he swiveled toward Loki. [What did you do!] He jabbed his fingers through the letters so forcefully that he was practically yelling.

"Now see, I've been drinking too much again. Cause I see Loki hanging out in smalltown USA," Stark flipped back the visor on his helmet. "And obviously Rock of Ages is still locked up snug in an Asgardian prison." He cocked his head, clearly having seen the scars around Loki's lips. "And he's had some work done. It's a good look for you."

Thankfully before he could make any other comments that would encourage Loki to attempt to repeat their last encounter—regardless of his lack of strength or a building to throw Stark out of—Banner interrupted. "There seems to have been a problem," he murmured.

"Tony, we need to talk," said Rogers as he tried to motion Stark to the side. Stark instead craned his neck around the soldier and caught a glimpse of Book standing defiantly in front of Loki.

"What's with the short stuff?" he asked. "Are we okay with him standing so close to a crazy-megalomaniacal diva? Are we covered for that?"

"Shut up, Tony. I'll explain later."

"No. Now," said Book, his face hard. Behind him Loki just covered his face with one hand and shook his head. "I've got a right to know why you're taking my uncle. And you can't just do that. He's got rights—"

"Uncle?" said Banner at the same time Stark burst out laughing.

"Rights? People tend to lose those after they try and take over the world."

"Shut up, Tony," Rogers growled. "For once, just keep your mouth shut."

Banner raised his eyebrows at this and blinked rapidly as the Iron Man raised his hands in defense.

"We are taking Loki into custody, though, aren't we?" he asked. "I've got a new set of chains I've been dying to try out."

"Chains?!" shouted Book.

[Book, listen.] Loki knelt down as he briefly grabbed Book by the shoulders. [I can't explain everything, but know that I have a past.]

The boy snorted. "You're street, we all have a past. Not exactly breaking news."

[Mine is…longer than most, and darker.]

"And it involves the freaking Avengers!?"

Loki sighed. Of course Book wouldn't make this easy. [Just know that they will take care of you. You'll get the schooling you wanted. And you'll stay out of the system.] He gave a firm nod. [Tell them I am ready to go.]

Incredulity escaped in a huff of air. "That's it? You're just going to up and leave me?" A stubborn set was coming into Book's jaw. Loki half expected him to stamp his foot. How often Book made him forget that he was just a child. [Will I ever see you again?]

Stark stared and Banner pushed his glasses up his nose. "Is that sign language?"

"He can't talk," said Rogers.

"Couldn't have happened to a better guy," said Stark.

Book rounded on him. "Shut up! You don't know what it's been like for him. This is hard!"

Stark whistled. "He's got you good there, kid. Hook, line, and sinker."

[Do as I say.]

"You're not the boss of me," growled Book. Loki raised an eyebrow. "Fine, you're right. That was childish. True, but childish." He turned toward the Avengers. "He says he's ready to go."

Stark looked up at the sky. "Hey, Big-Brother-is-Watching! Tell Thor to get his Asgardian ass down here already," he paused, considering, "and use those exact words!"

"Overkill much?" asked Book as he glowered at the Avengers. "He's just one guy and you're calling in alien backup? Captain Supersoldier and a guy with rocket launchers built into his robotic combat suit aren't enough?"

"Well, 'ol Bruce here is more than enough," said Stark as he slung his arm companionably around the doctor's shoulders. "Isn't that right, Loki?"

Loki made it a point to stare directly at the doctor. He shoved down the very real displeasure that seeped through him. The man before him wasn't a threat. As long as he remained meek, and calm, Dr. Banner, Loki had nothing to fear from him.

Stark moved forward, grinning in that self-satisfied way of his. Irritating human that he was, he wasn't going to succeed in provoking him again. Besides, Loki thought, what was the point in allowing it a second time—there was no window to throw him out of.

A rumble of thunder was the only warning they had as the Bifrost split open the sky above them. A bolt of red slammed into the pavement a few feet away. Thor rose from the steaming asphalt, his cape flowing behind him. His stern gaze softened slightly with confusion as he took in Loki's ratty appearance. "Brother, I would have words with you."

Loki couldn't control the laugh that forced its way between his teeth. Oh, I doubt very much I'll be the conversationalist I once was.

Taking a few steps forward, Book peered up at Thor with narrowed gaze. Thor finally seemed to notice the child at his feet. "When you talked about your brother 'Thor' I thought you were just going with a theme," he said. "And you're Thor, as in Thor God—o—Thunder, the Avenger?"

"Yes, little one."

Face pinched with scrutiny, Book looked from one brother to the other. He strode over to Loki and shoved. "Seriously? You're really," Book drew out the word between his teeth, "not from around here. And you didn't tell me!"

[And have you think me mad?]

"Oh, I already thought you were crazy," said Book. A thought seemed to strike him as he rounded on Thor, finger pointed in accusation. "And you! You're a jerk."

"That is a bold accusation." Thor glanced at his comrades in confusion. Banner merely shrugged, and Stark waved it away.

"It's just crazy town today."

Glancing at the currently empty street, Rogers fidgeted. "Could we move this elsewhere? This is hardly the place."

"Not happening!" Book rounded on the Captain. "Avengers? Hobo aliens? You think I'm going to just let you take him—no questions?"

"Brother, who is this child?" asked Thor, gesturing at Book.

Loki tapped Book on the head, getting him to face him and twisted his fingers through a number of signs.

"Seriously?" Book muttered as he grudgingly eased toward Thor. "He says, and I quote, 'You know my penchant for strays,' end quote. And I'm the stray?!" Book leaned with heavy indignation upon the word "I." "Who picked who out of the gutter? The literal gutter, with trash and ditch water and stuff."

"I agree with Steve, let's maybe finish this back at the jet?" Banner pushed his glasses further back up his nose with his knuckle. Rogers offered a smile of thanks.

Thor asked another question, and Stark began with his smart mouthed comments again. But Loki wasn't paying attention anymore. The somewhat amused glint in his eye died as the argument around him faded away.

No one else seemed to see the brittle figure standing across the street. His patron raised her arm, finger pointed in accusation. Her words echoed around him, slithering into his ears. "I warned you. My patience has run thin. Leave your fruitless rebellion."

He gave a nearly imperceptible shake of his head, defiance burning in his eyes.

The figure went rigid.

Between one blink and the next, her presence burned at the back of Loki's neck, words scratching through his ears with a hiss. "So be it. A parting gift, Trickster." Loki stiffened. It was as if dry, desiccated leather fingers trailed across the back of his neck. "If I allowed the Avengers to find you, who else might follow?"

The answer struck him with the power of a knife-thrust to the ribs. Chitauri.

A slight imperfection in the air was all the warning he had before lean, razored death burst from the air above him.

A/N: I'm a horrible person to leave it there…but I'm going to anyways *grins evilly*. I mean really, what should you expect from a writer with perhaps a slight Loki obsession? Remember when I said this was both drama and action/adventure? Yeah, we've hit one of the action parts.

This was also the part of the story where I realized that this was not only going to be a dialogue and characterization writing exercise, but also an exercise in writing somewhat large groups of characters interacting at once. I've gotten better, but without lots of revision I have trouble handling more than three at a time and inevitably if it's a larger group there is one character just vaguely floating around in the background with nothing to say because I forgot about them—normally Bruce (poor guy).Next week: The Chitauri are none too pleased with Loki's failure to conquer Earth, and they've sent a "delegation" to air their grievances—with lots of very sharp knives.

Silverfrost: In many ways it has been a slow burn so far, but yes, things are certainly getting interesting 😊.

Spooks: So glad that you keep coming back around, I'm glad that you like what you see!

xXCinderzXx: I can really see that part in my head, and it makes me chuckle every time.

QuiltedRose49: Why thank you, this scene went through several revisions as I tried to nail down exactly what flavor I thought was both a likely option and the most fun to read. And thus the awkwardness 😊. That and slightly confused Steve is kind of adorable.